In this novel of Barsetshire life, we meet the eccentric Rector of Hallbury Old Town, with his passion for the prophecies of Haggai, the Mixo-Lydian refugee, Gradka, with her admirable cooking and her pendant's approach to the works of W.S. Gilbert, and a brace of Thirkellian small boys who make a triumphant first appearance. This novel is Angela Thirkell at the peak of her form - a penetrating and amusing story.